Re-signing Paul George
After the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season sputtered to a halt against the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs, many assumed Paul George’s time in Oklahoma City was up. After all, he had expressed interest in playing for his hometown Los Angeles Lakers just a season before. The move just made sense.
What we didn’t count on was the fact the Russell Westbrook throws some really top-notch parties. On the eve of free agency Westbrook hosted a house party that was so fantastic that Paul George to committed to staying put in Oklahoma City that very night, just after the clock struck midnight.
Paul George still has "love" for the Lakers, but felt he had unfinished business with the Thunder https://t.co/lmeNphBURY pic.twitter.com/uJuxaa9p6D
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) July 27, 2018
Okay, so maybe there was more to the decision than Westbrook’s festivities. Either way, keeping George around is a big deal for the Thunder. It’s a four-year, $137 million deal that will ensure plenty of star firepower remains in Oklahoma City for the foreseeable future.
George remains one of the best two-way players in the league and he settled into his role nicely with the Thunder last season. He posted averages of 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He also added 3.1 3-pointers.
Keeping George around for four more years is a great achievement for the Thunder, and it was an essential move for them to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
Grade: A+